EPA Green Vehicle Score

The Ford Fusion hybrid is a family midsize sedan, competing with the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry ($27,435) and Hyundai Sonata, all of which are also available as hybrids.

Ford’s Fusion Hybrid gives much satisfaction for the distances at which it can be driven on battery power. This full hybrid sedan can be driven at speeds up to 47 mph on battery power and it will roll quietly along for many city blocks. The EV range depends largely on the driver (heavy foot?) and the terrain (hilly or flat) and how many cabin functions are being used, such as air conditioning, seat heaters or the radio.

It takes no driving finesse to average more than 32 mpg in city and highway driving. And when power is needed, the battery pack supports the Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder for strong response. There is no concern catching up quickly to interstate cruising speed.

Every time you slow down for a stoplight or on a long hill, the regenerative braking, captures 94 percent of the power that would have been lost to friction and channels it to recharge the batteries. That stored energy is then used on acceleration.

“The batteries need to be super efficient to recapture that energy,” said Ford specialist Jonathan Richards.